By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board this week reviewed and approved a job description and “position statement” that will be used to advertise the town manager position that will be vacated by Philip Lemnios at the end of June, including a salary range of around $185,000, depending on qualifications. The position will be posted this week.

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Lemnios will retire after more than 25 years of service to the town. Community Paradigm Associates, a consulting firm hired by the town, is leading the search.

Acting select board Chair Donna Pursel noted that she has heard comments that the town manager search process isn’t “transparent” since the deadline of the related online survey isn’t until later this month and the position statement has already been crafted.

However, Pursel said that input from department heads, the select board, and the survey results so far were considered when the consultant developed the statement, and that the survey responses will be used to develop interview questions.

The position statement describes Hull as one of the most densely populated communities in Massachusetts with a large influx of seasonal residents and visitors in the summer, a town with “stable finances,” and a total FY23 budget of about $45.5 million.

Hull is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable leader “with superior communication and leadership skills and a team-focused approach, demonstrated financial acumen, and a demonstrable understanding of the issues coastal communities face related to climate resiliency,” according to the statement.

Other qualities the town is looking for in candidates is the ability to be a strategic thinker, to set and prioritize goals, and to secure state and federal funding for town projects, and someone with experience working with municipal unions.

Candidates are also expected to have experience as a town administrator/manager, assistant town administrator/manager, or in positions that have equivalent responsibilities and to hold a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred), preferably in public administration or a related field, along with demonstrable knowledge in financial management, project management, community planning, economic development, and personnel management and administration.

The town is also looking for candidates who are highly motivated, patient, and diplomatic, with the ability to build consensus and collaborative relationships with town boards and committees, as well as to manage conflict and diversity of opinion.

The individual named to the position will be offered “an attractive compensation package, including health and retirement plans, commensurate with his or her qualifications and experience.”

The position statement describes Hull’s form of government and what will be expected of the new town manager, including overseeing the daily operations of the town, advising and administering the policies and procedures of the select board, and enforcing town bylaws and actions that are approved at town meeting.

Hull’s town manager is also responsible for proposing the annual budget and works with the senior management team to coordinate the budget development process; the management of all town departments (excluding the school department) and all town funds; providing support to the volunteer committee system; working with other levels of government; and managing special projects for the select board.

The town manager’s office is also responsible for the continual review of policies and programs in an effort to provide improved service and for the coordination of activities leading up to the annual town meeting and other public hearings and forums.

There are also sections related to climate resiliency, open space and recreation, economic/community development, and ongoing/upcoming projects and issues.